Happy Tuesday, PhilosophersNotes Tribe! Today we’ll be doing Strength For Life by Shawn Phillips.
Strength For Life by Shawn Phillips
“Your body, the only one you will ever have, is the foundation of your life. And it’s either an anchor limiting your freedom and potential or a source of radiant energy, vitality and joy, elevating your life and the lives of those around you. It’s your choice… will yours be a source of strength, from which you will impact the world, or an obstacle, preventing you from your dreams and desires? … As my friend, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway is fond of saying,“If you’re going to bother setting a goal, aim high!”… My advice to you, aim high; aim for strength.”
~ Shawn Phillips from Strength for Life
And some words from Brian:
That pretty much sums up the theme of Shawn’s great book, Strength for Life. Aim high. Aim for strength.
Shawn’s an incredible blend of philosopher and spiritual body builder—bringing meditation into the gym while enhancing—not compromising—the intensity of his training. This is definitely the most powerful book on transforming your strength—the true vitality and power with which you show up in the world—that I’ve ever read.
In this PhilosophersNote, we’ll take a quick peak at some of my favorite “Big Ideas” from the book—everything from creating a “base camp” to get yourself ready for transformation (which, as we’ll learn, is different than mere “change”) to working out your gratitude muscle (what “fitness” book have you read lately that talks about that?). His “HIIT” and “FIT” training principles are revolutionary and, if you follow his suggestions, it’s literally impossible not to transform.
And as always, what’s your BIGGEST Aha! moment from this Note and how are you going to implement the wisdom from today into your life? Drop a comment and let the discussions roll!And twitter users, don’t forget the #50days 
Also, because lots of people are joining in on the Challenge a few days late and in case you miss a day or two, check out this page » We’ve listed every Note that will be discussed (on which day) along with links to the discussion posts.Can’t wait to get the discussion going on today’s Note.
Talk to you guys tomorrow and if you haven’t got your 100 PhilosophersNotes yet, you can grab them here »
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Hi Team
I like “If you’re going to bother setting a goal, aim high!” Ailsa just came back from the store with the message that a friend I play golf with will not go cycling with me because I am “too determined”. Weird. I think of myself as lazy, but lazy in the way of a story my dad told from World War II — an RSM told him that he always gave the worst jobs to the laziest men in the unit, then watched to see how they did them (the easiest way of course). I like that sense of lazy — efficiency.
I like the change vs transformation, and for a few years had a very workable structure in the form of a buddy, to train with — then he moved to another Island — 400 miles away, and my routines degraded in frequency until they are effectively non-existent right now.
At some level, the structures need to be internal, and the deeper the better.
Still working on the next version.
I love his definition of strength “Where health is no more than the absence of disease; Strength is the presence of abundant energy – a capacity and reserve to be a force in your world.”
Yeah — I’m overweight — carrying a little fat around the tummy — more than I want.
Definitely in the “gap”.
My life is an example of never too old. At 48 I bought a mountain bike, and 6 weeks later did a 60 mile cross country ride (over 3 mountain passes) — took me 8 hours but I did it. The following year I did it in 5:50, and stayed on the bike all the way up the steepest climb (about 2,500 ft of 4WD track). Since then I’ve done several 4 day, and one 5 day hike.
Can be done.
Focus — somehow — it always comes to this — intentionality!
“Focused Intensity Training” — yep — staying in the present — training all aspects of being simultaneously. I guess that includes the toughening up to pain. Just bought to mind that segment from the movie “Happy Gilmore” where he is standing in front of a baseball pitching machine taking the hits on his chest and face, just to toughen up.
30 years ago I used to run barefoot on gravel roads for 4 miles every night, just to toughen up my feet — it worked, and 2 years of sleeping under a sheet, with open windows, all year. I reached my goal of climbing through snow to 10,000 ft in winter dressed only in shorts, then spending a day in the sea without clothing (mid winter). It can be done, one just needs to get used to shivering, it is simply a mechanism to keep the core warm.
“Exercise vs. Training” — yes — I walk the dog and play golf for exercise.
Training effects — good for mind and mood. This is one I have tested and questioned. When in heavy training mode, I need to spend a lot of time sleeping and recovering. I do seem to have a mental “edge”, and it doesn’t come free of costs.
The “base camp”, “vision and goals” and “habits vs rituals” all work well for me — even if I am not consistent in their application at all levels.
I enjoy my comfortable recliner — and I have my little program that every hour puts up a screen that reminds me to get up, stretch, and drink a glass of water. Seems to be working. I can touch the ground with my knuckles now. 18 months ago making my knees was a stretch. A problem with cycling, it shortens the hamstrings unless one actively works to prevent it.
When I look back at what has happened in the last 55 years, it is so much more than I thought likely 40 years ago, and there is so much more to do.
I’m not sure about the limited years thing, and whatever, making the best of every second has a lot going for it.
I guess to many I live a hermit like lifestyle, most of my time sitting in my zero gravity recliner in my house perched on a hilltop, and if I glance out the window I see the bay below and the 8,500 ft mountains just 10 miles away (a 5,200 ft mountain just 5 miles away). Very spectacular.
My wife is usually around the house somewhere, and she mostly does her own stuff — right now she is rehearsing for a gig she and two friends are doing in 10 days — singing and playing (she is a top class classical pianist), as well as a passionate hiker and conserver of all things natural.
Mostly I am at this keyboard, either creating systems for others to use, or putting thoughts into electronic form, or working on fisheries management issues.
Most of my day I am not in physical contact with other people, yet I am in intellectual contact, in this and several other fora; plus the 40 odd emails I get most days.
So a big yes — to strength for life. Time for me to put some attention back into building the physical to the next plateau.
Thanks Brian and Vishen — another great Note.
Wow Ted, you sure are packing a lot into your life. I’m inspired by all the different activities you’ve done!
Maxine
Ted! I enjoyed getting that window into your life … sure there may be a gap now but it seems you have plenty of “proof” in your history that you can/will close it. I may even borrow some of your grit and determination for my day. I promise to give it back after I’m done
I am with you there, Ted. Up until mid-2008 I was fully active in staging events and building scenes and props and striking it all when the event was over. Before that I was helping a friend in the moving business. I have practiced Tae Kwo Do and skied in the same week, then biked and played golf and sailed in the same week. This move north and my hermit-like existence have reduced my activity…and I feel it both physically and mentally. Emotionally too. Right now I feel on edge, I missed my walk and exercise this morning. It’s raining ice outside. I’ll get over it. I can still touch the floor and kick at least six feet from a standing position. I need more.
Also, like you, I get plenty of intellectual exchange and I drink close to 128 ounces of fluids a day…getting up from this machine often (loo is en route to the kitchen). But I miss what we were recommended in yesterday’s PNotes…a support system. My solitude has certainly not invited me into a social surrounding, and most of my old friends here are decidedly inert. Their bodies show it as well. My youth comes from my lifestyle. I’ll not let that go.
I really resonated with your post today Ted, and I also agree with what Mark said, a support system comes in very handy, especially during those times that you may not feel like going the distance.
Yo Master Ted!
Way to take it in! These guys really did an amazing job of laying it out there…
I’m honored by your attention and words.
The only thing more empowering than sharing one’s message with the world, is feeling it received.
To Your Life @ Full Strength,
Shawn
author, Strength for LIFE
Hi! I like this quote about “Focus” in the “Strength For Life” PhilosophersNote!
“concentration of attention to the exclusion of all else.” I like that!
“Focus is the concentration of attention to the exclusion of all else. It means putting everything you have into what you’re doing at this very second—whether it’s on work, training, nutrition, a friend or loved one. When you’re focused, you’re not thinking about the past or future. Nothing else enters your mind.”
Thanks Brian for another great PhilosophersNote! Have a great day Everyone!
Kinda reminds you of Russell Simmons’ “keep your eye on the path, not the goal”, doesn’t it, Peter? It’s an awakening to look around at all the distractions one has in one’s life and the effort it takes to put them all aside in order to concentrate on the task at hand. I’ve been doing that, and, thankfully, it is working because other distractions inevitably follow. This way a tangential gridlock is avoided.
Well this is definitely a book I needed to read.
“Your body, the only one you will ever have, is the foundation of your life. And its either an anchor limiting your freedom and potential or a source of radiant energy, vitality and joy, elevating your life and the lives of those around you. It’s your choice… will yours be a source of strength, from which you will impact the world, or an obstacle, preventing your from your dreams and desires?”
YES, YES, YES, sign me up for this too!
As someone who has been trying, to lose weight, get fit, keep committing, and keep failing, this was an interesting read. I’ve justordered the book from Amazon and looked at his web site after reading the note.
I liked the idea of Base Camp. I am going to type this up now, put it on my fridge, and make a start on the things I can do, while I wait for the book to be delivered.
I also like the idea of rituals rather than habits. “The difference between rituals and habits is that you choose to do rituals; you have some degree of awareness and intention. People tend to admire your rituals”.
“Stretch it, push it, pull it; your body is like cellular play-doh waiting for you to be the sculptor.” Love this quote.
After reading the note I was all fired up, yeah, this is the book that’s going to transform my body!!. However, after some web surfing, I’ve been deflated a little. While I am very blessed to have my own gym ( a recent conversion of my garage), it currently has a treadmill, and rowing machine, no resistence equipment at all yet. Looking at the recommended equipment, there is obviously a cost, and surprise surprise, if I look at the cost to buy in the UK, it’s even more expensive. That said, I will wait until reading the whole book, before making any purchases, and making any judgements.
I’m off to drink my water, do my meditation and then some yoga.
Have a great day everyone
I love seeing your enthusiasm this morning, Maxine
It’s revving me up. Happy body transformation. xxoo, JD
You GO, Maxine! I’ve made no more purchases than a bike and some free weights. There’s no gym locally and I certainly have no room here “at the Inn”. I know the old folks didn’t have home exercise equipment or gyms, yet they remained in shape through good ol’ hard work. Much of that work is gone now, along with the lifestyle that accompanied it. We never had to be reminded to get in shape…it was a given. If I could find a strenuous work to dabble in I would welcome it for the activity it renders. Heck, I found a shovel and was out shoveling walks for these last snowstorms.
I applaud your tenacity. =)
Hey Maxine, congrats on having your own gym and feeling revved up. Don’t let the fact that you have no resistance equipment get you down. I’ll let you in on a little secret. Your body is the best resistance you could need! I’m sure that a quick search on the net will give you some great suggestions. You say you do yoga already, and yoga also has some great resistance training in it.…just try holding the plank for 5 mins!!! You could also do squats and many other exercises that don’t require equipment. A piece of equipment that you might want to get for yourself would be an exercise ball. They do wonders in strengthening the core and giving you balance and flexibility all at the same time. Change your mind and the body will follow.
Hi Lori
I’ve watched all the videos this afternoon re the book, and am now all revved up again. The book has been despatched by amazon, so looking forward to receiving it soon.
I did have a ball, but my lovely kids burst it
Need to replace it. I do need some resistence equipment, so by the time I’ve finished my 12 days at Base Camp, I should be more informed about what equipment is really necessary to complete the 12 week program.
I’ve been waiting about a month for the Integrative Nutrition book (another one of the notes) but Amazon seem to be having a problem delivering. So looks like I’ll be giving this program a trial instead.
Maxine,
Thank you for your terrific share..
Love the energy. Know that 90% of all results are the result of enthusiasm and belief. Even the wrong thing, wrong program, done with focus and intention, will be the right thing… will be remarkable.
As for equipment, nothing much needed. You can do all with little resistance, only body weight (ala saturdays or basecamp)…
With FIT practice, it’s all good. You don’t need much resistance equip. You may choose to get one small set of dumbbells… or sport chords for that matter. I love these.
The main thing to know is that the workout, the training, is just a small aspect. I promise that what you embrace from this book, from m body of work, will last a lifetime and change the way you see, feel and follow any diet, fitness program or lifestyle.
I promise.
To Your Life @ Full Strength,
Shawn
author, Strength for LIFE
Wow, I didn’t expect a reply from the author himself. Thank you so much for your reply. I’ve received the book this morning, and just about to sit down and read now.
I started drinking more water yesterday, and stopped the coffee when I watched your videos about basecamp. The videos on your website are great, I watched all of them! Can’t wait to get started on my new fitness plan, after basecamp of course
I only logged onto this days book again, because I was notified of another message from rossp. If I hadn’t checked back again, I would have missed your comment. So glad I did.
Hi Shawn
I’m on day 2 of the Base Camp, and have a few questions, which I was hoping you could answer. There doesn’t seem to be a facility on your webpage to contact you, so hope you don’t mind me contacting you through the PN challenge.
Is the list of essential foods on the base camp all that I’m allowed to eat, or is it that these foods form part of what’s allowed? For example, can I eat potato, dates, pears? I’m so used to having cereal, or porridge (with milk, it wasn’t very nice with water this morning) for breakfast, and bread for lunch, that I’m struggling to eat enough carbohydrates
Your example menu later on in the book, includes 2 out of 5 meals as your protein shake. I looked at your web page and you don’t currenty ship to the UK. If I try and find something equivilent here, what should I be looking for?
I’ve been looking at Dumbbells, since I would like to buy some for my gym. As a girl, who hasn’t done any training before, should I be looking at buying weights of 1 — 10 kilo, or will I really be able to make good use of something like the Powerblock in time?
Day 1 went well yesterday, but I am surprised at how much my arms and legs ache, from what seemed like little time exercising. I must have been doing it properly
Thanks in advance
Maxine
Take a look at about.com — good exercise programs. Also look at mayoclinic.com/health. Finally realage.com for a full lifestyle review.
LEARNINGS
Good morning, all! Again, the sequencing of the notes is brilliant. I can feel that the Universe is conspiring to help! While I’ve been walking daily again (which feels great) and have been meditating, I haven’t been doing any strength training. It’s uncanny … one of our teenage sons has asked me over the weekend if I’d start strength training with him, to which I replied, “That sounds like a great idea, would you like to go for a walk now?” There was no 100% commitment behind that
This quote blew me away:
“Where health is no more than the absence of disease; Strength is the presence of abundant energy – a capacity and reserve to be a force in your world. It’s inclusive of health and at the same time so much more; it’s being healthy and flowing with energy, power and confidence.”
I can feel that my energy level is WAY down. And there several habits I have that are contributing to that. Fortunately, I do have the book and have used it in the past to help get fitter, so I’ll pull it out again.
COMMITMENT
I’m going to say yes to myself and to my son today. I can schedule and spare 1/2 a day (5 days a week) to spend some focused time working out and bonding with my son. I’m also going to add drinking more water to this routine.
Have a great day, all!
Tom
Lucky you. Lucky son.
Good morning, Tom. Can I borrow your son for weekends? I usually take onl my camera with me on my morning walks, so I serve two or three purposes at one time. No walk is ever the same as the day before. Now I am integrating weights upon return, to get that added boost. I love to do this before reading the PNotes for the day. It gets me stoked.
The absence of disease health definition got me too. I have been without healthcare most of my life. In and out of programs with career changes. Now I am with the VA, so visits are one or two a year. My highest degree of healthcare has been my lifestyle. Briefly…ACTIVE. I stretch my capabilities in all directions, looking for hurt so I can make it disappear. As a result the only trace of arthritis is to be seen on an xray. No discomfort whatsoever, other than twinges from sitting here too long. A few groups of stretches eliminate that quicker than you can say Vicodin!
Oh but you have got to love synchronicity, and it’s great that you have not only an exercise partner, but time to bond with your son all in one!
Hi Tom
I use to workout with my son, those where the best time I had in the gym. He is now running the dojo a friend and I started 25 years ago. And A few month ago he partenered with the owner of the gym we used to go together. Therewas magic working out with my son.
super start to the day!… strengthening our minds, bodies and world…
seize the day everyone!
LOL!
That’s Carpe Punctum, Susan, not Carpe Diem!
WHY CANT IT BE BOTH…?
Oh, why not? Perhaps I was a wee bit disappointed when I saw a “fitness” book up for review today … perhaps my inner transformation snob wanted something more “elevated” to chew on today. But you know what? This book was perfect for me. Perfect, I say! First of all, this body is a vessel. It is a container for everything else. When it, like that saw we keep hearing about, is sharp, then all else flows easily. So, yeah, a book on the body makes perfect sense. And actually, this is a perfectly timed book for me for very personal reasons because you see, I’m already committed to a workout routine and I’ve been trying to figure out how to take my beautiful growing consciousness to the gym with me. Only two weeks ago, I had a long conversation about what happens as soon as I walk through the doors of any gym. I tend to step into a myriad of habituated thought and feeling patterns left over from when I was an adolescent. It sort of drives me crazy. All sorts of odd fears and self doubt creep in. As my consciousness grows in the rest of my life, this time at the gym gets more and more highlighted as the way I no longer want to be with myself, the way I used to be. Not content to allow this to be any longer, I set the intent to bring my practice with me. That sounds easier than it is because these patterns are old. So for a few weeks now, I’ve been playing with different approaches to reclaiming that time at the gym determined to gain access to myself while I am there. Even as recently as last night I was practicing with a new kind of focus while I did a certain exercise. So this book is really kind of perfect for this part of my life. And as I head off to the gym in a few minutes, you can bet I will take Shawn’s Big Ideas with me. Ideas like FIT: “The freedom to place your attention where you want it, when you want it …” are calling me already saying help is on the way. I am committed to bringing all of myself to every single moment of my life. So thank you, Shawn … I really needed your thinking today.
Great insight, John. I must say I really miss working physically hard. There is so much of an “instant gratification” and lasting pleasure to it. I have yet to find that form of satisfaction in working out in a gym. When I commit to laboring intensely, I utilize my mind as well as my body…inventing new ways of doing something…or more efficient means of getting the job done. I was never one for rote activity. I would have died of claustrophobic madness on an assembly line. I recall that this time of year I would double up on workouts or karate training in order to ski more efficiently and longer. This I hope to resume next winter. Its not practical or affordable right now.
Mark,
When your consciousness is rooted in the present moment, you may find that the repetitive aspect of a gym workout disappears. When you are fully engaged — body and mind — in your lifts, you are not thinking about the previous or upcoming set as each rep is “all there is.” This may help you get more enjoyment out of the gym.
Yes John, isn’t it wonderful when we think we don’t need or want to hear something then it turns out to be just what we were looking for
When I used to go to the gym (I just work out at home now) I experienced some of the same issues with habits.…love the distinction between habits and rituals BTW…and choosing to focus on the muscles that were working instead of the thoughts I was having made a HUGE difference in my outcomes. More power to you!
John,
Thank you!
So honored to be of service for you through the amazing Brian who carries the message of Strength with amazing presence!
To your Life @ Full Strength,
Shawn
Must admit I was surprised to find an ‘exercise’ book in the Philosophers Notes, but I had never read a book that said bring meditation to the workout. This Note hit on many recurring themes from the entire Challenge; focus, goals, visualization, mastery and more.
From high school on, I was someone who hit the gym hard, working out until I got injured, missed 3 or months and repeat. For the last five years or so I’ve workout out once a week and I’ve never been stronger and haven’t had any injuries. It is called Super Slow and is a high intensity, high weight, low repetition, slow (of course) workout. There are gyms across the country that specialize in it. My wife loves it too.
For past few months I’ve experimented with setting intentions of having the best workout yet before each one and even doing 30 second mediations before some exercises – the results have had my trainer ask if I’ve changed my diet or are taking supplements. Nope – just my brain.
I wasn’t surprised to see today’s notes, Andy, particularly in light of having read Tal ben Shahar’s contribution. Treat the body as a temple, it is said, and for good reason. It houses all that we need to become what we should be on this earth. I find my creative resources drained if my body lacks proper attention. Missing a meal, a walk, any ritual that gets the blood moving will affect my sense of well-being. I was properly trained through school and the military to keep fit and ready for anything that may happen. We don’t build up reserves by utilizing only what we need on a daily basis (paycheck to paycheck). At some point we dig into an empty bin and our production is found wanting. There’s a reason savings accounts aren’t tapped for ATMs. If they are…it’s a mistake.
I’ve also recently read a book by Dr. Al Sears – PACE, all about the lie of long aerobic workouts. He says high intensity sprint workouts are what we need. People are often dropping dead on dreadmills (Ha! Typo for treadmill but I like it) and in marathons – never hear such a thing in a 10 yard dash.
Day 32 Strength for Life 23 February 23, 2010
Integral Strength Training, not mere exercise but a program geared toward creating a healthful body and lifestyle. This in turn manifests the foundation for a sound reserve of energy and transformative powers that are building blocks of all we hope to be. I cannot attain my higher self if my physical self is lacking in resources, so I must feed it. Tend to it every day. Focus. Concentrate on this basic necessity to a robust life and make it a lifestyle, not an intermittent exercise. Meditate. Bring all attention to the core of a thriving physical self, and the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical pillars of my life will support the platform of my performance. It’s no easy task but, like a ritual instead of a habit, my awareness and attention will make my integral strength an integral part of me. Enabling me to aim higher and transform my normally taken-for-granted physical self into a veritable powerhouse of dynamic creativity. This I get. My creativity and reserves are lacking when I am missing from the physical exertion to which I am accustomed. Focused Intensity Training…I like.
Wow, I have this book in my stack! I guess I should get it out and read it… well, and apply!
I liked what Brian wrote about the value of exercise for him: “I like to create. I know that if I’m going to bring my best to the world, I must optimize my body.”
Nothing about looking buff, all about looking to make a difference.
I also love the Shawn Phillips’ comparison of exercise with training. That notion alone will help me work out this afternoon with a sense of purpose. That’s a nice “Ah ha.”
Well today the website doesnt seem to be working for me…lol…oh well…
Good Tuesday to you all and I want to take a minute here to tell you guys that you are all so wonderful and supportive. I really appreciated all of your comments yesterday and knowing that I am not alone in this journey makes it easier for me to keep putting one foot in front of the other, in front of the other, in front of the other, I love you all!!! aka threethrees
Aim high…what a great way to start todays note and therefore challenge…kind of like “Go big or go home” lol, not to say that there isnt a time and a place to shoot for something small and thats easily obtainable, especially if you need to build osme confidence. But in the long run, I think it’s the aiming for the stars that takes you to cloud 9 the fastest
In the series “Magical Body, Magical Mind” Deepak Chopra tells of a study that was done outside of Chicago in the late 90’s. They took people that had been in the prime of their lives in the 50’s (prime in this case being around 30 years old). THey measured many attributes like flexibility, strength, eyesight, hormone levels, all kinds of physically measurable stuff, and then had these people go and live in a closed setting for 30 days. This setting was a town that they had set up to be just like the 50’s; cars, newspapers, television, news, foods, clothes, etc, and they told the people to just be themselves that they were in the 50’s. After the experiment was over, they retook all trhe tests, adn every single one of them had increased their performance. It was an amaxing study on how the way you think about things can change your physical reality. The sad part of this study, was that 30 days after the experiment was over, they retested the participants for a third time, and 94% of them had gone back to the pre-experiment results. It seems there were only 3 people that “got it” and those 3 people showed even more improvement from their pre-experiment results. In the same series, Deepak says that your body is an indicator of your mind…not how your mind is now, but how your mind was. He says to think of it like a picture of the ocean. The actual experience of the ocean is continual change, and when you look at a picture you are seeing the ocean as it was for a moment in the past. The same is true of our bodies. They are pictures of a past moment in our consciousness. I found that to be pretty powerful, and through the years of dabbling…lol…i saw it to be true in my own life. I was overwieght when I first started trying to change my consciousness, and this was one of the first series I listened to. A few months later, without any real exercise program or diet change, I had lost quite a bit of weight without even trying, but I had also reached that plateu where the obsessive dabbler give up or burn out, and a few months later after shifting back to my old ways of thinking and looking at the workd, I also had my old body back. I have since reached a place where i tno longer seems that my body is so affected by my mind…I guess that must also mean that I have reached a higher place with my mind as well.…Yippee!!! lol
I really like todays note. I feel like alot of the stuff that we read or watch or listen to to help with our consciuosness often leaves the body out completely, but we are spiritual, mental, AND physical beings, and we combime the upward growth of all three, then we have a firm foundation to stand upon. A note here about the spiritual aspect. I’m not saying that you have to believe in God or Spirit, but simply that mysterious underlying force that connects all things together, us, the stars, the trees, and our fellow man. The unseen and the unmeasurable.
Touching on the dehydration thing, they have found that most causes of mild depression, mild schizophrenia, and headches can be traced to not being adequately hydrated.My Grandmother used to always say if you had a headache to drink 2 big glasses of water…lol.…who knew Grandma could be so right on
The end of todays note reminded me of a phrase I heard somehwere once “Yesterday is a memory and tomorrow is a dream. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present”
One day I can post a long post and every so often the site doesn’t allow more then a ew line at the time. This is very annoyng. Any suggestions.
AHHHHH getting fit and building strength….Here is one that gets my attention. Up and down the weight scale I go loosing gaining loosing again and finally gaining to lose more. Real roller coaster of a ride. I use to go to the gym every morning 5am workout for 1 1/2 hour 6 days a week, then off to work, after shower and bfast, work 10 hours per day 5 days a week, and after my work day get home to work my business in the garage until late at night, Eventually I came crashing down and was sick for two weeks straight. Something had to give so to the gym 3 times a week, that help but really it didn’t.
And so it is trying to fit everything in a 24 hours period can be a real challenge at time. Today, after being injured at work it is even more difficult to workout, going for a hike almost every day, for 1 to 1 ½ hour. I missed rock climbing, that was a great workout. Had to stop for now and I hope to resume this soon. Perhaps this summer.
I don’t know if I agree with the more you work the more energy you have, doesn’t seems to work for me, maybe I am different. Not sure. I like the idea and principle, now to put it into practice, well that can be another story.
I don’t like to approach of the “gap” trying to instigate guilt feelings never worked for me, that’s a sure way of loosing me very quickly. Generalization is another one of my pet peeve, when I was in the army we used to train heavy and I have seen guys trying really hard and not being able to reach the level required. Not everybody is born with the ability of Arny and can become Mr. Universe, I sure as heck wouldn’t have make it. So let’s stop trying to make people feel bad about their body and find a way to encourage and support those that are trying hard. Or even just trying.
Bernard,
I so appreciate your openness to the message, your comments and your support of the PN Challenge! Awesome!
Congrats!
Just to note though, know I’m in NO way trying, subtly or directly, to provoke guilt. The GAP is a point of clarification.
Whether it’s an opportunity or a burden is in the perspective of the viewer…
After all, life is but an animation of our expectations and beliefs.
Know that I actually took this book back, during the writing process, from an experienced “fitness author” and rewrote the entire book myself.
One of the top reasons for this was the overwhelmingly negative, coachie, “let me tell you how it is,” tone. I am so very sensitive to being open, honest, helpful and supportive.
It is my mission and desire not to be a demo-god of fitness, to be burden or provoke anyone, to tell you you in any way need to be different or better.. but to support you’re best life, whatever, however you choose that to be.
Trust me, just because I could bench press a few pounds in my life does not mean I am not aware, in tune, open and a conscious, caring individual.
I say as much as “we are all different.” There is no perfect… etc. I am not a guilt monger, not a pressure cooker…
Perhaps it’s a personal experience of fitness as a whole or you need to read the book to know that your fears are not realized.
In Strength,
Shawn
author, Strength for LIFE
Once we took the club, for a rock climbing experience, that was a great week end and let me tell you some of those big fellows that can press huge weight could not get their body up the rock, and at 50 with my 5 ft 5 and 165 lbs not to many could keep up with me, and still today my younger son who is a extreme shape being a MMA and UFC fighter can’t keep up when we are in the rocks. So let’s be good to everyone and give space to each to acquire what is needed. Of course being in shape is important to our health and at what cost? That is the real question.
Alright, of to the swimming pool for a few laps that and short hike is all I can do for the moment.
Mornin’ y’all
Now this book is not what I expected. I really didn’t think is was going to be about training to be physically able to meet all the demands of life but I like what he has to say. When I read transformation as opposed to change I think of a catepillar becoming a glorious butterfly and I am more accepting of my old catepillar stages because it is an integral part of the transformation. I can almost feel my new wings growing underneath my skin. I wonder what color they will be. You know we are all growing wing
What I really tyook from these notes is again the idea of persistence.…training verses excercise. It’s all about the path, not just the goal. Focused intensity on the path with the end in sight. I definitely am starting to behave this way and it has totally changed my outlook.
Mornin’ AMP. If you lived in a shack with a leaky roof do you think everything within is going to keep its beauty and integrity? Hence the body-mind connection. I certainly cannot focus on creativity if I feel poorly or out of breath. Even now I am still concerned about my breathing, and I believe it is due to the lack of blood-pumping activity. So now I must step up the pace. I never want to lose sight of my belt buckle because that would be a huge indication that I have let something go.
I am anxious to see the means with which you spring forth from your skin. Is this going to be like a scene from Alien? =)
Funny that you should mention the caterpillar transformation AM because I thought of exactly the same thing. Transformation means that what is new is completely different from what was old and there is no chance of going back…And you’re right, we all do have wings!
How many times have You heard someone say, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself”?
Good daily personal care is paying premiums to ensure good health. The pay off is good health when you need it.
My own excercise makes deposits in my strength account. For extraordinary effort I draw from this reserve. The strength exercises I have been doing for years have paid off in my ability to move quickly and effectively when necessary.I still exercise because if I trip on something I will have the muscular strength to save myself.
We can accomplish seemingly impossible tasks by performing pieces of them daily. It’s how you eat an elephant: “one bite at a time”.
If you’re passionate about something, you must begin with the strength you have while your passion is strong. You will increase your strength daily, bit by bit, until you’re able to do anything you desire.
Brian,
Once again, I am deepest gratitude and appreciation for your commitment to service.
I am humbled by your insightful integration of my book… I wish I conveyed it’s message as well.
A deep bow to you my friend!
As always, let me know how I may continue to support.
To Your Life @ Full Strength,
Shawn
This book felt a bit ‘preachy’ to me because it speaks to the dark shadow within me! So I took my time yesterday to digest the information before writing my post rather than reacting emotionally with my inner voice. I’ve always struggled with my weight although I’ve never been overweight but a long time ago I was ‘obsessed’ about going to the gym and eating healthily and became anorexic as a result. I have two young daughters and already they are talking about being too fat although they are both perfect and the right weight for the age and height.
Fitness and health is not about being too fat or being too thin. It’s about fitness of mind and the body will then respond positively.
Yes I eat too much chocolate, lots of biscuits and drink two large glasses of wine on a daily but they’re the choices I make. I can make different choices anytime I chose to. It’s all about Focus.
Shawn, this is a great book with lots of great ideas. I’m grateful to you for writing it and giving me ‘food for thought’.
Jayne…
A deep bow to you and your strength!
Way to allow the “thoughts” to take their course. I think you’ve tapped into something so key and so hidden from most in relation to “fitness” books/programs.
The people who love them and the people who reject them, may have about the same relationship, just from the other pole. Meaning one is no more empowering than the other.
The only true Strength is in seeing the truth in the middle, finding self and seeing we make the choices… we are not the victims but the participants.
Only when we stop running from or chasing towards, can we be who and where we are–and come forward, towards life from a position of Strength.
I am with you 100%… it’s about a body, it’s about a way of being… it’s a chance to see ourselves not just from the minds eye but from the mind and the visual eye.… we look, we see, we alter, we master, we strengthen… we live.
I’d invite you to take the 12-Day Basecamp reboot. You don’t have to QUIT anything… just choose differently for a few days…
See how that sits!
To Your Full Strength,
Shawn
Transformation vs. change — that is a new vision on which to focus across the full spectrum that the PN is opening. As a frequent “dabbler” this speaks to me as where focus needs to be — and I like the idea of creating the structures in your life to create true transformation.
Seperately I’m going back through Mark Joyner’s Simpleology courses — something he talks about is strengthening and weakening decisions, and taking action to make the first easier and the 2nd harder.
I like the gap as it speaks to realizing potentiality — not just in the physical but in lift more holistically..
Focus — yes I’d like some of this. PN Tribe — any tips on how to get focus? I’m not sure I want to call it ADD (way over used IMO) but I do have the attention span of a 2 year old. Seriously about the time they turned 3 I realized my kids could stay focused longer than I could…
Blueprint for brilliance — this really defines where I want to get to from the path that the PN is on. i feel like over the last few months I’ve started on a path of focus and self discovery. I had a bit of an epiphany yesterday that as a child I developed stress coping mechanisms of avoidance and disengagement. Today that shows up as a difficulty in defining/ declaring with sincerity and passion what it is I want . More reflection needed here on the “so what” and “now what”
I’m with Bernard.…I don’t understand the limited comment space.…although perhaps I should take it as feedback to be a bit more pithy.
How strong are you? Wow, kind of says it all, and it’s something that we should be asking ourselves all the time? This concept is essential, and Shawn really rocks. We are iron men and women and our strength comes from “doing”; we can be an Olympic athlete or a weekly bowler. The defining moment requires our strength, our mindset; we are iron!
Your body, the only one you will ever have, is the foundation of your life. Aim high. Aim for strength.
Have we created significant change that will last? Strength for Life is all about creating the structures in your life to create true transformation.
Strength is the presence of abundant energy – a capacity and reserve to be a force in your world. It’s inclusive of health and at the same time so much more; it’s being healthy and flowing with energy, power and confidence.
Strength is the something extra; the mental, physical, emotional reserve – the fuel that makes for an extraordinary life. Where ‘health’ is like living paycheck to paycheck, strength is money in the bank – a reserve. Strength is true wealth.
Lift the world!! Lift our spirits!!!
post 1 of 2
I admit that I wasn’t to excited about this note as with all the others (why I am not sure) but once I got into it I fell in love with Philips’ philosophies on strength and building a strong/powerful body! It reminded me how all those years ago, when I decided to dive deep into the world of personal growth/development and change my life around, my very first step was to change my diet. No where did I read anything about the impact of the physical body on creating change but instinctively I knew that taking care of my physical self was first and most important in my change. This is what lead me to running a marathon and becoming a health counselor
Ok on to the PN…I wholehea rtedly believe in Philips’ philosophy that our bodies serve as our foundation for life and that if not properly taken care of we may never give ourselves the opportunity to realize our full potential. Just like with our mental mindset and choosing to think positive and be responsible for our actions it is so important that we choose to nourish our bodies and give them loads of TLC!
post 2 of 2
I love Philips’ definition of strength ‘true vitality & power with which you show up in the world’. I know that for myself, when I eat clean and get in a good workout I feel confident, powerful and my joy factor is upped a notch or two. Plus my exterior shows this…I stand taller, I look people in the eye more, I smile more and my movement is more fluid. When I eat not so healthy (it happens!) and can’t work out (again it happens!) I feel sluggish, stuck, and unable to focus. And again my exterior shows this…I slouch when I walk, I look at the ground, my eyes are puffy and I can be a big time biatch! Not cool!! It is so important to me how I show up in the world because when I come correct and in integrity with my true self I feel soi spot on in life and just more open to love and joy and peace
post 3 of 3
Focus…there goes that idea again and something I admit needs to be worked on. I’ll never forget while running the marathon and I hit the zone…that period where all my senses were so accute and I swear a part of me was outside myself watching myself run and cheering me on. I’ve had moments like that since and not just during working out. My ideal is to have more of these moments and to sustain them longer. It’s an incredible feeling to be that present and that in love with the moment. It’s true that this type of focus is a mix of active meditation and stregnth training…for the body, mind and soul.
Love the idea of Blueprint for Brillance and it’s funny how creating my own blueprint is something I have been working on…thanks to this challenge. I’ve been able to refine and expand my blueprint so that it is more in line with my Higher Self.
post 4 of 4
Over the last few months of this challenge I recognized that I have been shortchanging my own potential and well I’m over it and really playing full out! I’ve been setting myself up to make some big changes come this April and it is the most exciting and thrilling thing ever! My blueprint is finally, after so many years, becoming a reality!
And lastly love the distinction b/n habits and rituals. It is so true that when we talk about our habits they 99% of the time are negative. I like the larger meaning behind rituals. Since rituals have been done since the beginning of human kind I feel that when I partake in a ritual I am more connected to my ancestors and Source and all things in the Universe. It’s such a great grounding feeling and one that really provides me with a lot of faith and strength to make it through my days
Incredible note and another book added to my Amazon wish list! THANK YOU!
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Strength for Life
Shawn Phillips
Your body is the the foundation of your life.
Choose is it anchor limiting you or source of radiant energy.
Bring mindfulness to your workouts
Transformation vs change — is it significant and lasting?
Strength is true wealth.
The GAP — Is there a gap between what you’re CAPABLE of doing/being and what you’re ACTUALLY doing/
being? If so, watch out. That’s where regret/anxiety/disillusionment hang out.
Close the gap and be your highest self.
Ability to Focus is key
FIT — Focused Intensity Training
TRAIN don’t Excercise
Set up your Base camp
Create RITUALS don’t just have Habits
LOVE — If we are strong strength will speak for itself. If we are weak words will be of no help. JFK
Fabulous note — lots to take away from this one and put into practice.
Thank you,
Christina